Get ready to dive into the most thrilling time of the year – Halloween! Across the United States, every city puts its own unique spin on this centuries-old tradition, offering an array of exciting activities. From costume parties and parades to haunted houses and pumpkin carving contests, the options are endless.
During Halloween, the boundary between the living and the dead is at its thinnest, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a blast! Don’t let the spooky spirits dampen your spirits. There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the Halloween spirit. If you’re seeking the ultimate Halloween experience, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of the most spine-tingling, hair-raising, and downright fun destinations for all you thrill-seekers and Halloween enthusiasts. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Haunted Bar Hopping In New Orleans
New Orleans is an incredible destination for those seeking a thrilling and entertaining Halloween adventure. Renowned for its vibrant party scene and a rich history spanning over three centuries, it offers an endlessly exciting and spooky experience in the Big Easy. With its intriguing past and lively atmosphere, New Orleans has earned its reputation as one of the most haunted spots in the United States, thanks to its high spirits and chilling tales. Remember that Halloween is a bustling time in New Orleans, so get ready to join the lively crowd and immerse yourself in the festive spirit!
If that doesn’t bother you, then check out the annual Krewe of Boo Parade. It lands on October 19th this year and is accessible to the public. As with any good New Orleans celebration, there will be plenty of costumes, throws, brass bands, and beads. Krewe of Boo runs through the French Quarter and is a great way to experience New Orleans nightlife with the whole family.
After the parade, grab a beer and head out into the streets. You can drink outside, so the fun never truly stops. Head to famous bars like Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Bar, haunted by the pirate that carries its name, and stop for a Voodoo daiquiri. There is a bar on almost every corner in New Orleans, and most of it is haunted.
Don’t waste too much time searching for these haunted New Orleans bars; take a NOLA Ghosts Haunted Pub Crawl and let a tour guide show you the way. This tour is the perfect blend of history and hauntings and a great way to familiarize yourself with the French Quarter. Tours start at $27 per person and run at 8 pm every night! You’ll visit the infamous LaLaurie Mansion and other haunted locations around the French Quarter.
Nightly Spirits and Spooks In Nashville
The Music City has a propensity to party just as hard as New Orleans, and its reputation as a hotspot for Halloween is just as well known. Halloween parties, haunted houses, and, of course, Nashville walking ghost tours are all excellent ways to spend your spooky season in the Country capital of the world. Here are a few great ideas for your next Halloween trip to Nashville.
If you are in Nashville with your family or those looking for a unique activity around Halloween in Nashville, then head on over to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere for Boo at the Zoo. Explore spooktacular scenes and photo-ops while meeting costumed characters, all for only $19 on the weekdays and $23 on the weekends.
For those looking to booze it up during the spooky season, head on down to the Two Rivers Mansion, where you’ll find the Tennessee Beer, Wine, and Shine Festival on October 19th. Live music, specialties beers, wines, and shines await you at the haunted Two Rivers Mansion. Do not be surprised if you meet members of the McGavock family who have long passed away. You’ll go home with a commemorative glass and spine-tingling memories, or a lack of, that will leave you giddy throughout the Halloween season.
Witches Brew In Salem
Salem is globally renowned for its fascinating history, including the notorious witch trials that captured the world’s attention in the late 17th century. Many of us have encountered this captivating history through literature such as The Crucible or popular films like Hocus Pocus. Embracing the Halloween spirit in Salem is an extraordinary experience, offering a rich tapestry of performances, historical insights, and captivating folklore.
The historic town bursts into life in October with its thrilling Haunted Happenings Festival. There’s something for everyone in Salem, from the family-friendly Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Parade on October 3rd to the gripping Salem Witch Trial reenactments throughout the month. For just $20, you can witness history come alive at the very site where these infamous trials unfolded, creating an unforgettable experience.
Dive into Salem’s chilling past by staying at haunted hotels like The Merchant Hotel, The Salem Inn, and The Hawthorne Hotel, each with its own spine-tingling tales. Rooms fill up rapidly during what is hailed as “the largest Halloween celebration in the world,” so be sure to plan well in advance. Get ready for an exhilarating and unforgettable journey into Salem’s bewitching world!
Experience American History At Gettysburg
Discover the captivating allure of Gettysburg, PA, a remarkable destination for history enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable fall adventure. Immerse yourself in the rich historical significance of the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal moment in the American Civil War, at the 1898 Brickhouse Inn and the adjacent 1863 Welty House. These accommodations provide an affordable and inviting haven where you can witness the breathtaking autumn foliage of Gettysburg.
The Welty House boasts a fascinating past as a refuge for Confederate snipers and a temporary burial site post-battle, infusing it with an aura of intrigue and mystery. Its reputation for paranormal activity adds an extra layer of excitement, creating a truly unique and memorable overnight experience. Prepare to be enthralled by reported encounters such as late-night footsteps, inexplicable wafts of tobacco, mysterious shadowy figures, flickering lights, and mischievous faucet antics. For history buffs with a taste for adventure, a night at The Welty House promises an unparalleled experience.
Notably, visitors can partake in a thrilling ghost hunt at The Welty House, offering a spine-tingling opportunity to explore its haunted history, even without an overnight stay. Moreover, Gettysburg plays host to The Olde Getty Place Gettysburg Halloween Parade on October 22 and is home to the National Apple Harvest Festival, providing an ideal blend of vibrant fall colors and immersive historical experiences. Come and bask in the warmth of friendly hospitality while reveling in the allure of Gettysburg’s living history.
Fireside Frights In Williamsburg
Get ready for an unforgettable Halloween experience in the charming and historic Williamsburg! In the tranquil Jamestown Triangle, Williamsburg offers a serene retreat for those seeking the cozy warmth of a fireside chat and the beauty of autumn foliage. Say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of big cities and embrace the peaceful allure of Williamsburg.
Be sure to include a visit to 8shires Distillery in your itinerary. Delve into the colonial-era distilling techniques and savor a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t find anywhere else in Williamsburg.
Elevate the spookiness of your stay with a thrilling two-hour Williamsburg haunted pub crawl, priced at an affordable $27. Colonial Ghosts will take you on a spine-tingling journey to the most haunted spots and the finest watering holes in Williamsburg. Hear about terrifying haunted locations in Williamsburg, like The Peyton Randolph House, which has been reportedly haunted since 1824!
Halloween In The United States
Embrace the Halloween spirit and dive into the rich history of these enchanting America cities! Each offers its own unique take on the spookiest time of the year, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. Pick your destination and head out before the spirits return from where they came!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.